I have been looking for this simple and traditional style of boot for hiking for many years now. Boots are a pleasing alternative to all those heavy and clunky hiking boots out there. I bought these boots never intending to wear them in the folded down style as they appear in the picture (strange looking and not practical). These boots would have been perfect if they had lacing up the shaft of the boot so that they could be worn comfortably without folding them down. I will be adding the boot lace hooks myself - but it would be great if North Face would add these to their next model so that wearers have an alternative to the fold-down style! Also, boots run half a size too small so I am exchanging for a half size up.